Family Promise of Beaufort County Shines the Spotlight on Gayle Burrer

As a volunteer driven organization, we are shining the spotlight each month on one of our dedicated volunteers who are the heart of Family Promise. They work tirelessly and greatly deserve our thanks and recognition!

In May, we shine the Volunteer Spotlight on Gayle Burrer, an office volunteer at the Day Center in Bluffton.  In 2016, while attending a 100 Women Who Care meeting, Gayle first learned of Family Promise and the organization’s mission to assist homeless children and their families.  

Gayle felt a connection to helping people in Beaufort County.  In addition to her group’s financial contribution, she wanted to get involved locally, on a personal level, and made contact with the staff.  “I was excited to find a volunteer opportunity right here in Bluffton,” said Gayle, who lives in Hampton Lake.

For more than a year, Gayle has come to the Family Promise office each week to help with a variety of projects.  Usually working half days, some weeks she commits more time to assist with bigger tasks. Her strong computer skills and willingness to pitch in have been a great asset.  Gayle is currently working side by side with staff members and volunteers as everyone prepares for the biggest fundraising event of the year, the organization’s 10th Anniversary “No Place Like Home” Gala.

Gayle draws on her past work experience in a university setting before she and her husband, Wayne, moved to the Low Country almost three years ago.  She worked for Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio where she coordinated all in-school experiences for graduate students studying to become teachers.  A former elementary teacher herself, Gayle went to work at Lourdes after completing graduate school there.

Gayle and Wayne found Beaufort County somewhat by accident. In a cold, cold winter they headed to the southeast coast to do some warm weather exploring.  “We love the beach and many outdoor activities,” said Gayle. “We saw Hampton Lake and it just felt right,” she added about their decision to buy a lot and build their current home.   As Wayne owns a construction management firm in Toledo, Ohio, doing that build from afar was not difficult.

Born in Indiana, Gayle and her family moved to Troy, Michigan when she was four. That’s where she grew up. She then attended college at Bowling Green University in Ohio, where she met Wayne. Gayle and her family became long-time residents of Ohio, living there almost 25 years. However, their hearts are now at home in the Low Country.  When they aren’t out on their jet skis exploring, Gayle and Wayne can be found playing golf or tennis or pursuing other outside interests.

The proud mother of two grown sons, Gayle and her family are preparing for a wedding in June. Her oldest son, Ryan, will get married at the historic Beaufort Inn. Her younger son,
Andrew, currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Gayle generously shares her time with the staff at Family Promise.  We greatly appreciate her help in meeting the needs of homeless children and their families.